Yes — in New Zealand, plumbing is restricted work under the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Act 2006. This means most plumbing tasks must be carried out by (or under the supervision of) a person who holds a current licence issued by the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB). Hiring an unlicensed person to do restricted plumbing work is illegal, and the work itself may be unsafe, uncertified, and potentially void your home insurance.
What Is the PGDB?
The Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB) is the government body that registers and licences tradespeople in three related trades:
- Plumbing — supply of water, sanitary fixtures, and drainage inside a building
- Gasfitting — installation and maintenance of gas appliances and pipework
- Drainlaying — underground drainage and sewer connections
A tradesperson can hold a licence in one, two, or all three of these areas. Always ask to see a current licence before work begins — you can verify a licence for free on the PGDB website.
What Counts as Restricted Plumbing Work?
Under the Act, restricted work includes any work on:
- Hot and cold water supply pipes
- Sanitary plumbing (toilets, basins, baths, showers, laundry tubs)
- Roof drainage connected to the building's drainage system
- Water heating systems (including heat pumps and solar hot water)
- Backflow prevention devices
- Any work that connects to the public water supply or wastewater network
If the work affects the NZ Building Code clauses G12 (water supplies) or G13 (foul water), it almost certainly needs a licensed plumber. Check with MBIE Building Performance or your local council if you're unsure whether a building consent is also required.
Types of Plumbing Licences
The PGDB issues several classes of licence. The main ones a homeowner will encounter are:
| Licence Type | What They Can Do |
|---|---|
| Licensed Craftsperson | Carry out and certify restricted work independently |
| Journeyperson | Carry out restricted work under supervision |
| Tradesman (older class) | Legacy licence — still valid if current |
| Certifying Plumber | Can issue a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) for completed work |
A Certificate of Compliance is the document that confirms restricted work has been done correctly to the NZ Building Code. You should always receive one after licensed plumbing work is completed — keep it with your property records.
What Can a Homeowner Do Themselves?
Not everything is restricted. As a homeowner, you can generally:
- Replace tap washers and O-rings
- Unblock a drain using a plunger or drain snake (no pipe cutting)
- Replace a showerhead (if it simply screws on/off)
- Replace toilet internals (cistern valves, floats) — but not the pan connection
- Fit a garden hose tap to an existing outdoor tap
However, anything involving cutting into pipes, connecting to the water main, or altering sanitary drainage is restricted work. When in doubt, call a licensed plumber. Doing restricted work yourself can result in fines and may affect your home insurance or future property sale.
Safety note: Water damage from poorly done plumbing can cause significant structural harm, mould growth, and health risks. Always use a licensed professional for restricted work.
Gasfitting and Drainlaying — Also Restricted
It's worth knowing that gasfitting and drainlaying are separately restricted under the same Act. A plumber is not automatically licensed to do gas or drain work — check that your tradesperson holds the right licence class for the specific job. WorkSafe NZ also has requirements around gas safety that overlap with PGDB licensing.
Healthy Homes and Rental Properties
If you're a landlord, be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards include requirements around drainage and moisture control. Any plumbing work done to meet these standards must still be carried out by a licensed tradesperson and certified appropriately.
When to Call a Professional
Call a licensed plumber any time you need to:
- Install or move a bathroom, kitchen, or laundry fixture
- Replace or install a hot water cylinder or heat pump water heater
- Fix a burst or leaking pipe inside the wall or under the floor
- Connect to the mains water supply or wastewater system
- Install a new toilet, basin, bath, or shower
- Carry out any work requiring a building consent
You can find qualified, licensed plumbers in your area right here on tradedirectory.co.nz. Always ask for their PGDB licence number and confirm it's current before work starts.
Master Plumbers
